Gaming Suggestions For First-Time Gamers

It seems like everyone is trying out gaming these days. Around a decade ago, the gaming world started to become more and more mainstream. Things like mobile games, eSports tournaments, and new streaming platforms like Twitch helped put this industry on the map worldwide. 

But that doesn’t mean gaming is a straightforward endeavor. 

If you’re entirely new to gaming, you probably have a few questions. What type of hardware do you need to get started? What sorts of games are ideal for first-time players? And is it worth all the hassle to join the gaming zeitgeist? 

Only you can decide whether or not gaming suits your interests and lifestyle—but if you haven’t dipped a toe into the gaming waters, consider this your sign. If you’re entirely new to the gaming world, then start off with one of the gaming categories below. You’ll be able to find an intriguing and playable mobile game in no time.

Classic Card Games

You’re probably already familiar with a few well-known card games, like poker and solitaire. The latter is great for passing the time, especially if you don’t have an internet connection. Most solitaire apps are fully offline. 

But poker is a bit more of a heady challenge. If you’re new to Texas Hold’em and Omaha, you can learn the rules before competing for money or just for fun. If you’re already familiar with how to play, then you can review the basics before diving into your first tournament. Remember, you can access poker and solitaire straight from your phone.

Open-World Adventures

Open-world adventures are open-ended games that focus on expansive worlds—just like the title suggests. These games can be casual or competitive. Casual games usually focus more on the visual element, enticing players with beautiful designs and lovely palettes. 

A few hits include Journey and No Man’s Sky. They’re designed to let you take on quests and missions at your own speed. Rather than level up and compete, the goal is to let players unwind and enjoy the visual appeal and gaming mechanics—like flying, for example.  

Casual Simulations

You can find a simulation for just about anything in the realm of casual mobile games. Some are incredibly cheeky, like Goat Simulator and Octo-Dad: The Dadliest Catch. The latter is a simulation in which a father must hide his identity as an octopus from the rest of his family.

If you like hilarious and aimless games, then check out either simulation. But keep in mind that they also come in more engaging themes, from interior design to cooking to power washing. If you have a niche interest, there’s probably a simulation available.

Relaxing Races

Usually, racing games are clumped in with more competitive sports games. However, just like simulation, racing games run a huge range—and offer plenty for first-time and casual players. Even more hardboiled favorites like Forza Horizon and Dirt 3 are straightforward to figure out… so long as gamers have some experience behind the wheel IRL. 

But if you want to keep things fun and light, then go for more casual favorites. Garfield Kart Furious Racing includes familiar elements from Mario Kart, only reworked for the orange tabby. Hot Wheels Unleashed is a similarly fun and nostalgic adventure.

Story-driven Narratives & Novels

That’s right—you can even enjoy comics and novels as mobile games. Visual novels and story-driven narratives are some of the most popular options in the realm of casual games. That’s because they let players take on more in-depth and complex challenges without opting into full-on hyper-competitive eSports categories. 

But you’ll need to do a bit of digging to find a story-driven narrative game that meets your interest. Some, like the Portal series, also include brainy puzzles. Others, like Lifeline and Twelve Minutes, include heavy elements of sci-fi and fantasy. Others, like Florence, take a more emotional approach, exploring themes like love, loneliness, and moving on. In other words, you should be able to find a topic that fits your exact mood.